Nuts Suppress Cancer Growth, Study Says

Research has long touted the health benefits of nuts—from reducing heart disease and diabetes risks, to promoting weight loss—and now a new study shows nuts also can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This protective effect is thought to be due, at least in part, to substances in nuts that activate the body’s defense against DNA damage.

Five types of nuts were included in the recent study: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts. Researchers artificially “digested” the nuts in test tubes and then analyzed the effects of the digested matter on cells. They found the nuts had a protective effect and induced cancer cell death.

According to researchers, each type of nut tested proved beneficial. More studies are needed to determine if roasting—a process most nuts undergo before they are bought by consumers—has any effect on the anti-cancer properties found in them.

Dangers of E-Cig Dipping, Common in Teens

About 25 percent of teenagers who use electronic cigarettes have tried an alternative vaping method called “dripping,” according to a report published in the journal Pediatrics. This technique produces thicker clouds of vapor, provides a stronger physical sensation in the throat from vaping, and improves flavor—it also may be even more harmful.

E-cigarettes contain a reservoir and wick that feed liquid to a heating coil that vaporizes the liquid. The user then inhales and exhales the vapor. In dripping, the user puts a few drops of liquid directly onto the heating coil. The process is sometimes uses as a way to change flavors while vaping.

Dripping releases a higher concentration of toxic chemicals—including cancer-causing substances like formaldehyde and acrolein. Although the long-term health effects of vaping are not yet fully known, several studies have shown there are a number of health risks associated with e-cigarette use. In 2016, the FDA announced e-cigs would be regulated the same way as tobacco products.

Worry Is a Serious Problem for Kids

Ah, childhood—the carefree time of life! Not so fast. A small study involving 700 ten- and 11-year-olds in the UK showed that almost two-thirds worry “all the time.” Common causes of worry among tweens include the well-being of family and friends and school work.

According to researchers, 40 percent of kids said that worrying interferes with school, almost 30 percent said they ca’’t stop worrying once they start, and about 21 percent said they don’t know what to do when they are worried. The study also showed gender differences—more girls than boys worry about being bullied and about the way they look, and more boys worry about being angry.

In children who worry, the most common way to cope is to talk to family members and friends. According to kids in the study, it’s important to be kind to friends who are anxious or worried and the best way for adults to help is to listen sympathetically.